With Mr. Steven Slater's Hollywood exit from the JetBlue flight, we at Mannersmith thought it might be time to remind gentlepeople everywhere there is a right way and a rude way to leave one's job. After all, it is rare nowadays to hear about anyone retiring after working a whole career for just one company. Whether you are leaving because you found a better job, are stepping back from the workforce, opening your own company or were laid off from your current position, being able to say good-bye graciously is part of essential professional etiquette.
I Quit! ~ While it is tempting to include a manifesto of the company's ills in your resignation letter, you are better served by keeping it simple. A resignation letter needs only three pieces of information. 1. Your last day. 2. Contact address and phone number. 3. Your signature.
Time Your Timing ~ Once you have decided to leave a company you often become a lame duck. Plan your announcement and your time remaining carefully. Be sure to factor in time for a replacement to be found and some training to take place. Do not linger.
Let's Celebrate ~ As employees leave a company, it is common to arrange a good-bye party. The company should cover the costs of such an affair. The celebration can range from an after-hours cocktail party to cake in the break room. (Be aware, sometimes it is best not to have a public good-bye.)
Exit Interviews ~ Many companies interview outgoing employees to gather information. Answer all questions judiciously. Some exit interviews are confidential, while others are not. In addition, you want to be sure not to burn any bridges. Boomerang employees are becoming more and more common. (Employees who leave a company only to be hired back a few years later.)
Eight Degrees of Separation ~ Just like the song says, it is a small world after all. If you have specialized in a specific field it is highly probable that you will cross paths in the future with the people you are leaving behind today. Keep relationships positive and the communication open. You never know when you might see these people again.
Take The High Road ~ Leaving a company can be a stressful and unnerving time. But it is at times like these that it is especially important to keep your wits about you. Do not yell at anyone, do not destroy company property, do not disparage the organization to the media or to the clients. What you do reflects on you.
Keep In Touch ~ Be sure to build and maintain your professional networks: join professional organizations, attend alumni events, and subscribe to journals relating to your field. These networks help to ease the transition process.
Always Update ~ Even after you have found the job of your dreams, you should always keep your resume updated. Because, as you have learned, you never know!
Jodi R. R. Smith is a nationally known etiquette expert and author. She is the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. You are invited to email her your etiquette emergencies at Salem@Mannersmith.com.